Solid debut for newcomer Byford

AmD Milltek Racing.com enjoyed a solid weekend of racing in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship as the 2011 season resumed following its summer break at Snetterton.

The weekend marked the first appearance for Byford at the wheel of the team's Volkswagen Golf as he made his long awaited debut in the BTCC having previously enjoyed success in a number of the support series.

Despite only having a single day at the wheel of the car prior to the race weekend, Byford was on the pace from the outset as he lapped inside the top twelve in both free practice sessions around the new Snetterton 300 circuit.

Having taken 19th on the grid after his first BTCC qualifying session, he finished the opening race of the weekend in 14th place but was then unable to build on the result in race two when a broken gear linkage forced him to retire early on.

Forced to start near the back of the field for race three as a result, Byford showed his ability to race with the pack as he worked his way up to 16th place by the chequered flag, meaning he was able to score Independents' Team Trophy points for the AmD Milltek Racing.com team in two of the three races.

"It was very hot and hectic!" he said, "and I can't believe how quickly it's gone by. After a solid start to race day, it was a real shame that we had to retire from the second race because a finish around twelfth there would have put us in a good position on the grid for race three. However, motorsport is full of 'ifs and buts'.

"Overall I feel we've made progress throughout the weekend and the car was more and more consistent as the weekend went on. We're getting the car more to my liking and I've been able to build my relationship with the team. Not scoring is the only downside to the weekend but people have noticed us and seen that I can do a job on the BTCC grid and compete with the pack. I'll learn more and get quicker at Knockhill, but it's going to seem like a long month until we go there!"